Research: Workplace Literacy
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. To download a free copy, please visit the Adobe web site. A Demand-Side Strategy to Meet Indiana's Workforce Basic Skills Challenge
Prepared by FutureWorks for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2005
Builds on the Employer-Driven Workforce Literacy Project conducted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness about the literacy levels of Indiana's incumbent workforce. Summarizes literature and data on workforce literacy needs, highlights promising program models, assesses Indiana's current workforce programs and resources, presents results from a business survey, and offers recommendations for meeting workforce preparation needs. Suggests that employers can help address critical skill shortages by developing employer-driven training programs.
Download/view: PDF (1.3MB) | HTML Addressing Literacy Needs at Work: Implementation and Impacts of Workplace Literacy Programs
M. Moore, D. Myers, and T. Silva, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., 1998
Evaluation of the National Workplace Literacy Program of 1998. Examines development and execution of workplace literacy programs and focuses on impact of programs on workers. Study based on three local and two state partnerships created in 1994.
Download/view: PDF (3.3MB) Evaluation of Workplace Literacy Programs: A Profile of Effective Instructional Practices
L. Mikulecky and P. Lloyd, Indiana University, Bloomington for National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL), 1996
Using a study of 10 workplace literacy programs, Mikulecky and Lloyd created a data-based model for evaluating workplace literacy programs. Addresses the contrasting needs of programs for custom assessments with the researcher/funder's need to aggregate data across programs.
Download/view: PDF (235KB) | HTML Focus on Basics: Workplace Education
National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL), Volume 7, Issue B, 2004
An online newsletter dedicated to the practical application of research. This issue includes articles on partnerships between businesses and adult education providers, workplace readiness skills, the history of workplace education, and state strategies for strengthening workplace education.
http://www.ncsall.net/index.php?id=618 The Impact of Basic Skills Programs on Canadian Workplaces: Results of a National Study for ABC Canada Literacy Foundation
E. Long
Presents findings from a survey of 53 businesses on workplace literacy programs in Canada. Considers the return on investment to employers and summarizes reasons businesses develop and implement basic skills programs. Highlights positive outcomes of employee participation in workplace literacy programs, including workers' increased ability to work independently, reduced error rates, improved workplace health and safety, and increased employee retention.
Download/view: PDF (1.3MB) | HTML Profit from Learning: Do Firms' Investments in Education and Training Pay Off? (Executive Summary)
J. Bassi, J. Ludwig, D. P. McMurrer, and M. Van Buren, American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Saba Software, 2002
Based on data collected by ASTD from 2,500 companies, determines the impact of one year's investment in education and training for employees on total shareholder return. Despite challenges to business involvement in these services, concludes that education and training benefit companies financially.
Download/view: PDF (KB) | HTML Turning Skills into Profit: Economic Benefits of Workplace Education Programs
The Conference Board, developed for the U.S. Department of Education
Documents the economic benefits of workplace education programs. Findings are based on more than 100 interviews with employers, employees, and union representatives from a variety of private and public sector companies.
Download/view: PDF (80KB) | HTML What's New? Reaching Working Adults with English for Speakers of Other Languages Instruction (ESOL): Best Practices Report
Center for Impact Research, 2002
Examines two approaches, distance learning and workplace literacy, to reach working immigrants who want to learn English. Identifies barriers to implementing both approaches and offers recommendations for overcoming those barriers.
Download/view: PDF (104KB) | HTML Why Do Companies Provide Workplace Education Programs?
A. Levenson, in J. Comings, B. Garner, and C. Smith (Eds.), Annual Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Chapter 3, Volume 4, 2003
A review of research on workplace education programs. Discusses the reasons companies offer these programs, how they are financed, how accessible they are to employees, and positive outcomes such as wage growth, career advancement, skill development, and reduced absenteeism. Also recommends ways policy, practice, and research can expand workplace education.
http://www.ncsall.net/?id=582 |
